San Diego Wine & Culinary Center

Doesn't Recommend

KellyKellyKelly

Joined 4 years ago

Not So Happy "Happy Hour". 4 of us went there last night to have a mom's night out and enjoy a glass of wine at happy hour. The website says it is from 5-8 so we arrived by 7. We sat on the patio and had to wait a while to be served. When the waiter arrived we asked what specials they had for happy hour and he said it ended at 7. I mentioned the website and he said it was wrong and needed to be updated and didn't honor the discount. My friend ordered an olive tapenade and a few other appetizers, they took a while to arrive... and when they finally did, the olive tapenade was extremely salty. She let the server know and he simply said that thats the way it is meant to be! Also you may want to call in advance to see if it's K9 night. When we sat on the patio there must have been 20 dogs running around and barking. To end on a positive note the wine was good, and the two guys on staff were friendly enough, just not up to par on customer service!

Doesn't Recommend

wine92103

Joined 5 years ago

Agree about the poor service. I went there with a friend about 2 weeks ago and being a wine lover I thought for sure this would be great. Unfortunately the service was terrible and I have to agree with the previous reviewer. The wine we had was fine and I do like being in the Gaslamp.

Doesn't Recommend

kim_merritt

Joined 6 years ago

What customer service?. I agree with the reviewer who is talking about the "international" flights including a TEMECULA wine. It's absolutely ridiculous and ludicrous and a total rip off for the money. The service was horrid and they were completly unattentative. The bartender told us nothing about the wines we were tasting and didn't really speak with us until the bill was about to arrive, typical. I will NEVER go back there again.

Recommends

bstein711

Joined 6 years ago

Misleading Promotions. Well I guess I disagree with the other 4 reviews. They advertise 3 international tastings for $9.00. Up the street you get 7 for $10.00, see the bottlles and get a good desription of each. Here they set down 3 glasses, not your choice all at once. One from Italy, one from Mexico, one from Fallbrook. So I ask how is Fallbrook international. The owner comes ourt after abit and explains they consider our local wines also international??? So why not serve a Temecula, Escondido and Fallbrook array and call it International Delight. A bit of a rip off...you have better choices up the street on G!!! Sorry, we would not return as locals.

Recommends

jschutz9179

Joined 7 years ago

Wonderful place to eat, drink and relax. Talk about a great place to go to have a cocktail whether it be wine or mixed cocktails. Primarly this is a wine bar, but they also have a full bar and can cater to anything you ask for. I'm not much of a wine drinker, so I usually have gin and tonic or dirty martini's. Also, if you happen to get hungry while you are drinking, they have a great menu with appetizers and great paninni sandwiches. I personally recommend the black forest ham or the short rib sandwhich. Oh yeah, and if you happen to enjoy Jazz music, drop in on Thrusday evenings, as they have different jazz bands there every thursday night. The Staff here is great and and are very helpful. The owner John Alonge, is a great guy, and can sure tell jokes. If you happen to drop in here, ask for John, and startup a conversation with him, great stories.

Recommends

nicktheios

Joined 7 years ago

What a Downtown Find!. Fantastic atmosphere, great location, friendly and knowledgable staff. My wife and I stopped in for a glass of wine and were so pleasently suprised. We stayed for a light meal and truly enjoyed our evening.

Recommends

jdschutz

Joined 7 years ago

Fabulous wine & appetizer bar for downtown residents.. This is a great place for unwinding after work or on weekends. Owner John Alonge is extremely wine knowledgable as is Chris, Lindsey and the rest of the staff. Appetizers are great, and unlike most wine bars, a full bar is available for martini and scotch lovers! My favorite nights are the Thursday wine flight tastings enjoyable with the live jazz ensemble, and Friday evenings are also great with live piano (keyboard) music. They also have frequent wine education classes and cooking demonstrations. Located in the bottom of the Harbor Club Towers (2nd & J) facing the Convention Center, this place is perfect for downtown residents and nearby hotel guests. You won't be disappointed.

Recommends

meghanmadden

Joined 7 years ago

Great wine bar and soft couches!. I'm not much of a drinker but this is a great place to have a glass of wine or two and snack on cheese/meat plates, paninni sandwiches and salads. The outdoor patio is wonderful on the two evenings (Thursday/Friday) they have entertainment (jazz & piano). I live in Georgetown but come here whenever I'm in town - they also have wine and cooking classes which I intend to participate in sometime soon - I hope!!!

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Editorial Review. It's more than just sipping and shopping for wine. Sign up for cooking classes, wine excursions and happy hours, too.